Treasure hunter released from prison after refusing to reveal location of loot but 500 gold coins still missing
New York Post1 day
Treasure Hunter Freed After Decade Jailed for Hidden Gold
Is Thompson a victim of unjust indefinite detention or a fugitive fraudster who defied court orders and deserved imprisonment?
Above: A Henry Hentsch gold piece weighing 88.15 ounces from the SS Central America shipwreck was photographed at U.S. Coins and Jewelry in Houston on April 24, 2024. Image credit: Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Thompson's decade-long imprisonment represents a gross miscarriage of justice where a business dispute morphed into indefinite detention. Holding someone in contempt for 10 years far exceeds the 18-month federal limit and violates basic principles of proportionality. The judge himself admitted continued incarceration wouldn't produce answers, yet Thompson remained locked up years beyond when the underlying case was dismissed.
Narrative B
Thompson defrauded investors out of millions, fled justice for years, and deliberately concealed $2.5 million in gold coins while living as a fugitive under a fake name. His extended imprisonment resulted from violating a plea agreement and repeatedly refusing court orders, not a simple business dispute. The contempt charge was justified, given his calculated evasion and continued defiance of the legal system.
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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0